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There are many do’s and don’t’s to social media, and below I have highlighted some key ones if you are unsure of how to get the best out of social media in your business:
Social Media Don’ts
Don’t do it for the sake of it
Don’t just get your business on social media because you think you have to. Consider what industry you are in, and where your audience is you wish to engage with. Plus remember not all social platforms are suitable for your business, do your research!
Don’t just post
Don’t just pop on a post. Think about what you want to say and what response you are looking for. Remember everything you put there is reflective of your business and helps create your brand presence.
Don’t write too much
Keep to the point, be clear and don’t waffle, people rarely have the time or inclination to read lots of information – especially if they are not fully engaged with your brand.
Don’t post the same thing on every platform
A post on Facebook will not work in the same way on Instagram or Twitter. They all work in different ways, attracting people in different ways and your posts need to be on-board with that.
Don’t like your own content
There’s no need to do this and it reflects poorly, but you can share your business posts on your personal pages.
Don’t delete customer comments
This gives a poor reflection on how your handle customers and your level of customer service. Show you respond accordingly and respect what customers have to say.
Don’t sacrifice quality over quantity
The quality of what you say is essential. It not only needs to be pertinent to your business and audience, but also fresh. The algorithms of each platform will soon pick up if you are repeating messages or saying something that is not relevant to your page – and they look at it dimly.
Don’t forget to check your posts before you put them live
Give your posts a second look to make sure they are error-free and are giving the right message. Any spelling errors or something which cause confusion can turn people off.
Don’t forget to try going live
Going live, especially on Facebook and Instagram can create great engagement and make you much more visible to your potential audience. Just make sure you have something informative to say, don’t do it for the sake of it – it still needs to be relevant.
Don’t be too personal in your posts and responses
When managing your business pages then try to avoid getting too personal (unless you are your business product).
Don’t forget to share testimonials
Be proud of the great testimonials you get and share these, people trust what others say, even if they don’t know them! It helps create credibility and trust.
Social Media Do’s
Do be aware of what’s happening in the news
Be aware of wider news, is it appropriate to be posting about a certain subject or could it be seen to be insensitive, Just be aware of what’s else is going on and the possible perception of your post.
Do create a social media plan
Plan ahead as to the key messages you want to get out there, and how. Will they link to a blog or will you do a video. Mix it with being reactive to what’s happening there and then.
Do measure your activity
Measure you progress, your followers, engagement, shares etc. overtime you will build up a picture of what performs well and what doesn’t and can change your tactics and messages accordingly.
Do start the conversation
Start a conversation, ask a question, and get opinions and thoughts. Use the platforms to do a little research from your audience base.
Do post about you/your team
Introduce the world to yourself and your team, people like to know there is a real person behind it all who knows what they are doing and are expert in their field, show this.
Do be visual – images/videos
Use different visual techniques. Social media is a visual marketing tool and you have to grab people’s attention very quickly. Get creative!
Do link it to your broader marketing objectives
Keep in mind how social media fits within your wider marketing plan. If you are running a campaign on your website, reflect this on social media – make sure it all joins up.
Do respond to your messages
Respond to your messages. Not only do the social platforms view this favourably but you its respectful to take the time for this and shows your business ethics.
Do post at appropriate times
Post when your audience is most likely to be online. This is generally morning, lunch and evening, but Sundays evenings are also very busy.
Do be consistent
Post regularly on all your channels – once a day if you can. Consistency is key for building your follower base and creating momentum.
Do use hashtags and tag people/businesses
Do a bit of research around hashtags relevant to your business but also those that are banned (particularly on Instagram) you may be surprised. Hashtags are how more and more people are finding social media accounts that are relevant to their interests.
Tag people and businesses into your posts if you have had a meeting with them, are using their product etc
Still unsure and think social media is a minefield you don’t have time for? Hello Marketing offer social media management packages from just £200 a month.
Email emma@hellomarketingconsultancy.co.uk or call 07867 794141.
